DIY Long Hair Dog Grooming Tips: My Bella Boo Shih Apso

DIY Long Hair Dog Grooming Tips: My Bella Boo Shih Apso

For DIY long hair dog grooming tips I turned to my hairstylist/dog owner friends. With all the tricks given, only one works for my Bella Boo Shih Apso.

Whoop, whoop, it’s Hump Day, and time for another Q&A with Ask the Pro Stylist. This Wednesday we discuss DIY long hair dog grooming. As this is a question from/for me, I believe it is befitting to this week’s query.

So, I purchased a puppy Shih Apso. From the moment I saw her I was in love. She is now 9-months-old and the love of my life. However, I have issues grooming her long hair. Since I have always owned lab mixes, grooming of this nature is foreign to me.

Now I always say let the professionals do their job. However, Bella is a baby. Unfortunately, I have also heard dog grooming horror stories when it comes to little dogs.

She doesn’t like to be held down or have an implement near her face. She is feisty for sure and a bit nervous. That being said, I am leery about leaving her with a groomer. Additionally, she has long hair and mats easily. It could be very costly to simply create knot-free hair, thus my DIY long hair dog grooming tips.

Shih Apsos are a “designer breed” crossing a Shih Tzu and a Lhasa Apso. The hair varies on this breed. My Bella is brindle in color with long, soft hair.

When she was spayed, the vet clipped the hair around her face. But now it is long and unruly again. Her big beautiful hazel eyes aren’t visible and her hair is knotty.

DIY Long Hair Dog Grooming Tips: My Bella Boo Shih Apso

My hairstylist friends offer diverse advice for me. Some suggest using the small clippers to remove knots; others say to trim, while another says to change the style of my brush. However, my problem is the fact my girl won’t sit still. Another friend suggested an old or cheap pair of my thinning shears to tame her matted hair.

My DIY long hair dog grooming tips for Bella might not work for you. I found sitting my baby on my lap is the best way. She feels secure and safe. As I talk to her, I use my thinning shears on her knots. She doesn’t hear the snipping of the scissors or feel any tugging. As a result, her mats come right out with a simple brush.

While I have found what works for my girl, it still takes a great deal of time to remove her knots. If you have a beauty question similar to today’s DIY long hair dog grooming tips, please email me at DeirdreAHaggerty@gmail.com. Until then, happy styling!

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